Four days after Sweden formally joined NATO, the Allies formally welcomed the country with a ceremony. The Swedish flag was raised for the first time on Monday in front of the defense alliance’s headquarters in Brussels. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson promised in his speech to strengthen the alliance on land, in the air and at sea. However, he rejected the stationing of nuclear weapons.
“We fully understand the need for all NATO defense capabilities, including the nuclear strategy,” he said. At the same time, however, there is no need for Sweden to host nuclear weapons or a permanent NATO base on Swedish territory in peacetime.
Stoltenberg: “All for one, one for all”
In addition to Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Swedish Crown Princess Victoria also took part in the festivities. Stoltenberg said the now 32 flags represent 32 countries. They have the common goal of protecting their one billion citizens, preventing wars and maintaining peace. Swedish membership makes NATO stronger and more secure. In the future, the phrase: “All for one, one for all” will also apply to the Scandinavian country.
200 years of non-alignment is over
Sweden joined NATO last Thursday after about 200 years of military non-alignment. The country applied for membership in May 2022 under the impression of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At the time, it hoped to join the following summer. However, alliance members Türkiye and Hungary held up the accession process for almost two years.
Jet deal with Hungary
The necessary consent from Hungary ultimately only came at the end of February, after Kristersson had visited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Several agreements on arms cooperation were announced. They stipulate, among other things, that Hungary can purchase four new Jas 39 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
